now
beg to inform Your Lordship of the steps taken by me, with the hope that Your Lordship will be pleased to prevent the objectionable charge being brought against this Colony, as it is self-evident that the Ordnance Department could never have been subjected to any outlay even approximating to so large a sum £.101.5.3 for the taking charge of rough timber valued only at £. 675.1-9.
I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Lordship's
Mr Merivale
State upon this subject, and in the meanwhile the despatch.
Most Obedient, Humble Servant,
3 April 1849
Copy
Office of Ordnance, Hongkong, 3 April, 1849,
With Reference to your letter of the 2nd October 1848, we have the honor to transmit herewith the Copy of a letter, from The Board of Ordnance, dated the 5th January, 1849, reducing the sum claimed by their letter of the 13th July 1848 to £. 183. 15. 6, this together with another claim for £89. 3. Or made at the same time (to which no objection was raised), and a subsequent one for £. 77. On 5 January last, communicated to you, we request may be
The Colonial Secretary